A GROUP of young fundraisers is beginning a new campaign to bring Farnham Maltings’ cinema into the digital age.

The Film Maltings Digital Futures Group has been founded to help the arts centre raise the money it needs to update its equipment.

Made up of several young people, the group aims to help Farnham Maltings raise £55,000 for new digital projection equipment.

According to organisers of the campaign, the Maltings has encountered difficulties continuing to show a wide range of films in celluloid form as fewer distribution companies are now working in this format.

To stay with the times, they need to update to new HD equipment which will ensure the creative arts centre can continue to present a wide programme of films.

Sophie Haiselden, who is co-ordinating the fundraising group, said she thought it was important to maintain the Maltings' long-running reputation for showcasing quality film-making.

She said: “We want to ensure people can continue to see films in Farnham long into the future and this new equipment will mean it’s possible to see a greater range of new films locally.”

The group hopes the new equipment will also improve film fans’ experience as it offers enhanced picture and sound quality.

Additionally, it will be able to show alternative content such as theatre screenings from Shakespeare’s Globe, adding to the choice available.

Gavin Stride, director of the Farnham Maltings, commended the efforts of the Film Maltings Digital Futures Group.

He said: “I think it is great that this initiative has come from a group of young people who care for the shape and future of our town and we are determined to ensure that the film programme continues to flourish.”

The group’s first step has been to apply to trusts and foundations as well as writing to potential benefactors. They are also looking for sponsors and appealing to local businesses for their support.

Visitors to the Maltings are able to help with the campaign as they can donate online when booking a film ticket. There is also a donation box in the Maltings’ foyer.

All donations towards the campaign will be used specifically to help the Maltings move to digital.

The creative arts centre was bought by the community in 1969 and works with a number of creative groups in the area.

A total of six resident theatre and dance companies are hosted alongside a range of crafts makers in the collection of buildings.

To find out more about the digital campaign, contact Sophie on 01252 745451 or Gavin on 01252 745400. To donate, visit: www.farnhammaltings.com.